Films:
Yeah Pare 2024 / NZ
Writer / Directors: Albert Latailakepa & Sean Dioneda Rivera
Producer: Danny Aumua
Lost at the night markets, Janjan tries to find his parents. While searching, he befriends Kiuga, a child of a family working the stalls, who takes him on a fantastical journey to find his loved ones.
My Brother 2023 / USA
Director: Misa Tupou
Producer: Jana Park Moore
Set against the stunning landscapes of Hawai‘i, this touching drama follows a Tongan brother and sister at rugby practice. Recovering from a recent injury and rejected from another university, Alofa is ready to give up. Meanwhile, her brother Malu races against time to encourage his sister and pass on valuable life lessons before it’s too late.
Butterfly/Bataplai 2023 / USA
Writer / Director / Producer: Veialu Aila-Unsworth
Raya loves makeup but her family does not. She’s torn between her secret dream of being a makeup artist and her family’s strict religious beliefs. In a nightmare, she receives a profound message from her Papua New Guinean ancestor who encourages her to look at her Indigenous culture for answers.
- Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts: Joint winner for best film.
The Red Room 2024 / NZ
After a particularly bad day, timid office worker Stanley decides to attend a slap clinic, a pseudo-health centre that allows customers to blow off steam by slapping counsellors. But when the session doesn’t go as planned, Stanley realises he should have read the fine print.
- Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts: Joint winner for best film
Lea Tupu‘anga / Mother Tongue 2024 / NZ
Director: Vea Mafile‘o
Writer: Luciane Buchanan
Producer: Alex Lovell & Eldon Booth
A young speech therapist disconnected from her Tongan heritage lies about her Tongan language skills to get a job. Out of her depth, she must find a way to communicate or risk her patient’s life.
- NZIFF Patrons Award for Best Film: Won by director Vea Mafile'o
- Māoriland Film Festival, People's Choice Award for Best Short Film (Drama)
- Department of Post Best NZ Film: Won by Vea Mafile'o, Eldon Booth, and Alex Lovell